SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Settle in for an incredibly scenic drive through Philadelphia and hear entertaining and enlightening commentary about the landmarks along the way. Historical attractions are plentiful, including Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American Independence. While passing the grave of Benjamin Franklin, you may see visitors throwing pennies on it, a nod to his famed aphorism “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Once you reach Philadelphia’s more modern city center, you will travel through Chinatown, past the wonderfully ornate city hall and on to the iconic LOVE sculpture, one of many public art works. Take a picture at the top of the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with a replica statue on loan from the collection of Sylvester Stallone until August of 2026 when the original statue will be make its new home at the top of the steps. During the stop there, you can climb the steps – all 72 of them – that the boxer climbed in the 1976 film. Then, on to the airport and 30th Street Amtrak Station.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through downtown Philadelphia past some of America’s most historical landmarks.
• See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and Ben Franklin’s grave.
• Pass through Chinatown and on to artist Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture.
• Stop at the Rocky statue and climb the famed steps behind it, if you wish.
• Drop off at the Philadelphia International Airport in plenty of time for your flight and 30th Street Amtrak Station.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See many of Philadelphia’s most famous historical landmarks while driving through the City of Brotherly Love and delve even deeper into the stories behind them during stops. You will pass the grave of Benjamin Franklin and the Betsy Ross House on the way to cobblestone Elfreth’s Alley, a National Historic Landmark that is one of only three preserved 18th-century streetscapes in America. You will have the opportunity to browse Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered the birthplace of American democracy as the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed there. The Liberty Bell – the ultimate symbol of American freedom and independence – is displayed out front, where the guide will dispel some of the myths associated with it. Another stop will be made at the iconic 72 steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Climb them if you wish to take a photo of a replica Rocky Statue on loan from the personal collection of Sylvester Stallone while the original statue is part of a museum exhibit until August 2026 when it will makes it permanent home at the stops of the steps before heading to the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through downtown Philadelphia past some of America’s most historical landmarks.
• Pass the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin’s grave and a well-preserved colonial streetscape.
• Browse Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell in front of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Stop at the Rocky statue and climb the famed steps, currently at the top of the steps, if you wish..
• Be dropped off at the Philadelphia International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.